General Safety

While Walking...

Plan the safest route to your destination. Choose well-lighted busy streets, and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys or construction sites. Avoid taking short cuts if they compromise your safety. It is always best to take the longest route if it is safer.

Stay alert to your surroundings. Be constantly aware of those who are around you. Don't become distracted or preoccupied. You want to communicate the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with those around you.

Protect your valuables. Don't flaunt expensive clothing, jewelry or furs. They might attract unwanted attention. Dress casual and comfortable and carry only what you need with you. Keep necessary valuables close to your body. Carry a wallet in your front or inside pocket instead of a purse. If you have to carry a purse, carry it tightly under your arm.

Don't overburden yourself with packages or groceries that will make it hard for you to react. If you suspect you're being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call the police. Walk facing traffic so that you can see approaching traffic. If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license plate number.

While In Your Car...

Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns. If your car does break down, raise the hood and tie a white rag to your radio antenna. Stay in your car and keep the doors locked. If someone stops, ask them to go telephone the police or a service station for you. Do not exit the vehicle for anyone that you do not know. Roll down the window enough to talk to whoever stops to help. Always carry emergency change for cab or bus fare, or for a telephone call. Cellular phones are a good investment for security and safety. And if you see another motorist in trouble, signal that you will get help and then go to a telephone and call the police.

Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips. Have enough gas and money to get there and back. Drive with all car doors locked and keep your windows rolled up. And never pick up hitchhikers.

Park in well-lighted areas that will still be lighted when you return. Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages. Lock your doors and be sure and check underneath your car and inside before entering.

While Using an ATM...

If you have to use an ATM after dark try and have someone accompany you.

Try to find an ATM that is in a well-lighted area and preferably that is located in a store or other business that is open.

When approaching the ATM, be cautious and observant of anyone that is loitering around.

Park as close to the building as possible.

Conduct your business quickly and leave immediately if you are approached while making a transaction.

Stand directly in front of the ATM machine so that no one can watch you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

As soon as you are through, put your money away and leave the area immediately.

Do not stand and count your money by the ATM.

If you are making a deposit, keep your money concealed until you are ready to deposit it.

Shed Some Light on Crime...

The Lewisville Police Department is asking our citizens for help in identifying street lights that are not operational. Please keep an eye out for lights that are inoperable and report them to the Texas New Mexico Power Company.

Improved lighting is seen as a possible crime prevention tool. It often deters potential offenders by increasing the risk that they will be seen or recognized when committing crimes. Further, lighting can encourage residents to spend more time on their porches or in their front yards in the evenings, increasing informal surveillance. Finally, improved lighting can encourage more people to walk at night, which also increases informal surveillance.